Mastering Smart Pointers – unique_ptr | Udemy

This comprehensive course provides an in-depth exploration of modern memory management in C++, with an emphasis on mastering unique_ptr. Designed for developers familiar with basic C++ syntax, the course bridges the gap between traditional manual memory allocation techniques and robust, exception-safe smart pointer usage that empowers modern C++ applications.

You will start with a foundational understanding of dynamic memory allocation, delving into functions like malloc, calloc, and realloc, and exposing common pitfalls, such as uninitialized memory bugs. Progress through modern C++ allocation using new, including its nuances, error handling, array management, and advanced placement techniques.

Explore the evolution from deprecated pointers such as auto_ptr to the type-safe and resource-managing smart pointers introduced in C++11. The heart of the course focuses on unique_ptr: its basic and advanced usage, function signatures, pass-by-value and pass-by-const-reference patterns, and application as parameter and return types. Uncover how unique_ptr prevents dangling pointers, boosts exception safety, integrates with containers, and leverages helper functions like make_unique.

Dive even further as you examine advanced idioms such as the PIMPL (Pointer to IMPLementation) pattern and custom deleters, illustrating how to manage resources with precision in real-world scenarios. Finally, you’ll get to apply these skills by building and optimizing an object pool, both with and without pooling strategies.